Sanken COS-11D on the Sennheiser G2/G3 systems at DVinfo.net

Andrew Stone · June 13th, 2011, 10:13 AM

I see there are a few people who use the Sanken COS-11D with the Sennheiser wireless systems. I have a G2 system and now have upgrading the mic on the top of my pile of acquisitions.

Like to know if I have to be concerned about an inline power supply for Sanken or if it "just works" with the G2. I plan on picking up a COS-11D with the screw on mini plug designed for the Senn G2/G3.

Guy Cochran · June 13th, 2011, 11:33 AM

Good choice in lavs. As long as the Sanken is wired correctly with the Sennheiser locking 3.5mm, it will work with G2 and G3. At our store, we buy the COS-11D's in bulk with "pig tails" then batch wire them for use with the Sennheiser transmitters. It's one of the best upgrades you can make in getting better sound over the stock Sennheiser ME2 lavalier. On a pair of studio monitors or good headphones, the difference in sound is striking. Heck, if it's good enough to put on Will Smith in "Men in Black", it's good enough for me :)

I also recommend picking up the Sennheiser MZA-900. This allows you to hardwire the Sanken COS-11D via XLR. It's nice to have the option of using your "good mic" via a cable when then need arrises. That little Sennheiser adapter seems pricey at $129, but boy does it come in handy. It's become such a popular package that we now have a bundle in our store with these together.

You might also want LMC's vclip. Another cool little product worth knowing about for use with the COS-11. It's a little vampire clip for specifically made for the COS-11D. Check it out in this video
Vampire Clip for Sanken COS 11 | LMC SOUND

Andrew Stone · June 13th, 2011, 12:43 PM

Guy, thank you very much for this info. I see your pricing is competitive with all the popular outfits including the "Gorilla in the room" etailer. People should know this.

The inline amplifer is quite reasonable given it's utility and what these things generally cost. I have the Senn K6 with the ME64 capsule so I know this is a VERY reasonable solution.

I am familiar with the Sanken sound. Truly remarkable microphone. I will be in touch in the next couple of weeks.

Hoping you keep inventory on hand of the Sanken with the Senn mod.

Chad Johnson · June 21st, 2011, 08:19 PM

Andrew Stone · June 22nd, 2011, 06:43 PM

Thanks Chad! I saw/heard this when you first did it but good to have it in the thread for people who trip on it in the future.

Robert Turchick · June 22nd, 2011, 06:51 PM

I just did the upgrade and couldn't be happier with the Sanken. I replaced my other mic with a Voice Technologies VT500 and it rocks too, just different. Nice to have choices!

Sean Seah · July 29th, 2013, 09:43 AM

Hi Chad, am ready to pick up the 11D but I see that the connector seems to be a LEMO 3pin. My old G2 is on a 1/8" screw thread. What do i need to get?

Thanks

Chad Johnson · July 29th, 2013, 10:00 AM

You just order the COS11D with the connector you need. Talk to a rep from wherever you are purchasing it from. This is why I like the Rode Lav, and use it more now. It's got the Micon connectors you can get for everything, rather than have to commit to one connection.

Kathy Smith · July 29th, 2013, 01:43 PM

Chad,

I have a Sanken COS-11D mic and I am looking for a way to hardwire it to the camera using XLR cable. My mic fits the Shure wireless system (SLX series). Do you know if there is a way to do it for the system I am using?

Chad Johnson · July 29th, 2013, 02:23 PM

Hi Cathy,

You need to cut the wire and soldier on the connector you want. I haven't done that, and I don't know how, but it's pretty straight forward.

Kathy Smith · July 29th, 2013, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad Johnson

Hi Cathy,

You need to cut the wire and soldier on the connector you want. I haven't done that, and I don't know how, but it's pretty straight forward.

OK, but that will permanently modify the mic, I was hoping that I could have it working for both wireless and wired. I guess I would just have to buy a new Sanken with XLR connection.

Chad Johnson · July 29th, 2013, 02:35 PM

Kathy,

That's the nature of the COS11D. It's hard wired for one use. Not optimal in today's versatile environment. That's why I said "This is why I like the Rode Lav, and use it more now. It's got the Micon connectors you can get for everything, rather than have to commit to one connection."

The Rode lavs have multiple connectors so you can change the connector by screwing it on. The Sanken is a great mic, but a one trick pony. There may be a way to wire up something to switch connectors, but I don't know of any.

Kathy Smith · July 29th, 2013, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad Johnson

Kathy,

That's the nature of the COS11D. It's hard wired for one use. Not optimal in today's versatile environment. That's why I said "This is why I like the Rode Lav, and use it more now. It's got the Micon connectors you can get for everything, rather than have to commit to one connection."

The Rode lavs have multiple connectors so you can change the connector by screwing it on. The Sanken is a great mic, but a one trick pony. There may be a way to wire up something to switch connectors, but I don't know of any.

Thanks Chad

Jon Fairhurst · July 29th, 2013, 04:23 PM

I made my COS-11D flexible by adding a 3A-TF and 3A-TM connector between the mic and the XLR power supply.

Switchcraft : TA Series Female Cable Mount Connectors
Switchcraft : TA Series Male Cable Mount Connectors

Here's the Sanken wiring. Just insert the connector pair in the 3-wire area between the dotted line boxes of the first diagram. That allows adapters to be made for any transmitter's connector or the XLR supply.
SANKEN MICROPHONE CO .,LTD. | Q & A [ Basic of Wiring Method ]

BTW, I bought a cheap, XLR adapter and tried it with no success. I tried hacking in some diode and resistor solutions, but it was a fail. Go for the Sanken XLR power supply. It's required to do it right. (And it's cheaper if you buy the version of the mic with the power supply included. You can then cut the wires and insert the TA-3 for flexible use.)

With power supply:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/650292-REG/Sanken_COS_11D_BK_COS_11D_Miniature_Omnidirectional_Lavalier.html
Power supply alone:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554091-REG/Sanken_P_11PT_P_11x_PT_Phantom_Power_Supply.html
Pigtail version of the mic:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/595313-REG/Sanken_COS_11D_PT_BK_COS_11D_Omnidirectional_Lavalier_Microphone.html

In the US, contact plus24 if you have detailed questions...
plus24 Contact Information

Overall, the setup is a bit clunky, though mine has never failed.I should tape the TA-3M connector to the large XLR adapter. I would still have the hefty power supply to be hooked to a belt, but it would eliminate the TA-3 connectors flopping around from the wire. They aren't all that large or heavy, but it's not quite as clean as a simple wire connection. Still, I can make a new adapter for whatever transmitter might come my way, so it's a win.

Andrew Dean · July 31st, 2013, 03:24 PM

I had trewaudio do the same split for me when i bought my cos-11d set. My intention was to be able to switch between the sennheiser and hard wired, but it also meant on a reality show I was able to use the ta3 connector directly into a lectrosonics transmitter so it meant the best of all worlds, really.

you end up with a 1/8" "sennheiser" connector to a male ta3, the xlr power supply to a male ta3 then a ta3 female to the mic itself. I don't remember how much trew charged, but it wasn't much and the versatility has proved to be waaay worth it.

June 13th, 2011, 10:13 AM	#1
Andrew Stone Major Player Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 975	Sanken COS-11D on the Sennheiser G2/G3 systems I see there are a few people who use the Sanken COS-11D with the Sennheiser wireless systems. I have a G2 system and now have upgrading the mic on the top of my pile of acquisitions. Like to know if I have to be concerned about an inline power supply for Sanken or if it "just works" with the G2. I plan on picking up a COS-11D with the screw on mini plug designed for the Senn G2/G3.

June 13th, 2011, 11:33 AM	#2
Guy Cochran DVCreators.Net Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 892	Re: Sanken COS-11D on the Sennheiser G2/G3 systems Good choice in lavs. As long as the Sanken is wired correctly with the Sennheiser locking 3.5mm, it will work with G2 and G3. At our store, we buy the COS-11D's in bulk with "pig tails" then batch wire them for use with the Sennheiser transmitters. It's one of the best upgrades you can make in getting better sound over the stock Sennheiser ME2 lavalier. On a pair of studio monitors or good headphones, the difference in sound is striking. Heck, if it's good enough to put on Will Smith in "Men in Black", it's good enough for me :) I also recommend picking up the Sennheiser MZA-900. This allows you to hardwire the Sanken COS-11D via XLR. It's nice to have the option of using your "good mic" via a cable when then need arrises. That little Sennheiser adapter seems pricey at $129, but boy does it come in handy. It's become such a popular package that we now have a bundle in our store with these together. You might also want LMC's vclip. Another cool little product worth knowing about for use with the COS-11. It's a little vampire clip for specifically made for the COS-11D. Check it out in this video Vampire Clip for Sanken COS 11 \| LMC SOUND __________________ Guy Cochran DVinfo Sponsor, Cool Gear - DVeStore!

June 13th, 2011, 12:43 PM	#3
Andrew Stone Major Player Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 975	Re: Sanken COS-11D on the Sennheiser G2/G3 systems Guy, thank you very much for this info. I see your pricing is competitive with all the popular outfits including the "Gorilla in the room" etailer. People should know this. The inline amplifer is quite reasonable given it's utility and what these things generally cost. I have the Senn K6 with the ME64 capsule so I know this is a VERY reasonable solution. I am familiar with the Sanken sound. Truly remarkable microphone. I will be in touch in the next couple of weeks. Hoping you keep inventory on hand of the Sanken with the Senn mod.

June 21st, 2011, 08:19 PM	#4
Chad Johnson Major Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arcata, Ca Posts: 750	Re: Sanken COS-11D on the Sennheiser G2/G3 systems Lavaliere Shootout: Sanken COS-11D Vs. Sennheiser ME-2 on Vimeo __________________ My Work: http://www.youtube.com/ChadWork1 Sony FS5 :: Panasonic GH4 :: Sony PMW-EX1 :: FCPx :: AT4053b :: Rode NTG-3,

June 22nd, 2011, 06:43 PM	#5
Andrew Stone Major Player Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 975	Re: Sanken COS-11D on the Sennheiser G2/G3 systems Thanks Chad! I saw/heard this when you first did it but good to have it in the thread for people who trip on it in the future.

June 22nd, 2011, 06:51 PM	#6
Robert Turchick Trustee Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 1,389	Re: Sanken COS-11D on the Sennheiser G2/G3 systems I just did the upgrade and couldn't be happier with the Sanken. I replaced my other mic with a Voice Technologies VT500 and it rocks too, just different. Nice to have choices! __________________ The older I get, the better I was!

July 29th, 2013, 09:43 AM	#7
Sean Seah Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,498	Re: Sanken COS-11D on the Sennheiser G2/G3 systems Hi Chad, am ready to pick up the 11D but I see that the connector seems to be a LEMO 3pin. My old G2 is on a 1/8" screw thread. What do i need to get? Thanks __________________ Firewerkz Films SGP

July 29th, 2013, 10:00 AM	#8
Chad Johnson Major Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arcata, Ca Posts: 750	Re: Sanken COS-11D on the Sennheiser G2/G3 systems You just order the COS11D with the connector you need. Talk to a rep from wherever you are purchasing it from. This is why I like the Rode Lav, and use it more now. It's got the Micon connectors you can get for everything, rather than have to commit to one connection. __________________ My Work: http://www.youtube.com/ChadWork1 Sony FS5 :: Panasonic GH4 :: Sony PMW-EX1 :: FCPx :: AT4053b :: Rode NTG-3,

July 29th, 2013, 01:43 PM	#9
Kathy Smith Major Player Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: NY, NY USA Posts: 519	Re: Sanken COS-11D on the Sennheiser G2/G3 systems Chad, I have a Sanken COS-11D mic and I am looking for a way to hardwire it to the camera using XLR cable. My mic fits the Shure wireless system (SLX series). Do you know if there is a way to do it for the system I am using?

July 29th, 2013, 02:23 PM	#10
Chad Johnson Major Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arcata, Ca Posts: 750	Re: Sanken COS-11D on the Sennheiser G2/G3 systems Hi Cathy, You need to cut the wire and soldier on the connector you want. I haven't done that, and I don't know how, but it's pretty straight forward. __________________ My Work: http://www.youtube.com/ChadWork1 Sony FS5 :: Panasonic GH4 :: Sony PMW-EX1 :: FCPx :: AT4053b :: Rode NTG-3,

July 29th, 2013, 02:35 PM	#12
Chad Johnson Major Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arcata, Ca Posts: 750	Re: Sanken COS-11D on the Sennheiser G2/G3 systems Kathy, That's the nature of the COS11D. It's hard wired for one use. Not optimal in today's versatile environment. That's why I said "This is why I like the Rode Lav, and use it more now. It's got the Micon connectors you can get for everything, rather than have to commit to one connection." The Rode lavs have multiple connectors so you can change the connector by screwing it on. The Sanken is a great mic, but a one trick pony. There may be a way to wire up something to switch connectors, but I don't know of any. __________________ My Work: http://www.youtube.com/ChadWork1 Sony FS5 :: Panasonic GH4 :: Sony PMW-EX1 :: FCPx :: AT4053b :: Rode NTG-3,

July 29th, 2013, 04:23 PM	#14
Jon Fairhurst Inner Circle Join Date: May 2006 Location: Camas, WA, USA Posts: 5,513	Re: Sanken COS-11D on the Sennheiser G2/G3 systems I made my COS-11D flexible by adding a 3A-TF and 3A-TM connector between the mic and the XLR power supply. Switchcraft : TA Series Female Cable Mount Connectors Switchcraft : TA Series Male Cable Mount Connectors Here's the Sanken wiring. Just insert the connector pair in the 3-wire area between the dotted line boxes of the first diagram. That allows adapters to be made for any transmitter's connector or the XLR supply. SANKEN MICROPHONE CO .,LTD. \| Q & A [ Basic of Wiring Method ] BTW, I bought a cheap, XLR adapter and tried it with no success. I tried hacking in some diode and resistor solutions, but it was a fail. Go for the Sanken XLR power supply. It's required to do it right. (And it's cheaper if you buy the version of the mic with the power supply included. You can then cut the wires and insert the TA-3 for flexible use.) With power supply: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/650292-REG/Sanken_COS_11D_BK_COS_11D_Miniature_Omnidirectional_Lavalier.html Power supply alone: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554091-REG/Sanken_P_11PT_P_11x_PT_Phantom_Power_Supply.html Pigtail version of the mic: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/595313-REG/Sanken_COS_11D_PT_BK_COS_11D_Omnidirectional_Lavalier_Microphone.html In the US, contact plus24 if you have detailed questions... plus24 Contact Information Overall, the setup is a bit clunky, though mine has never failed.I should tape the TA-3M connector to the large XLR adapter. I would still have the hefty power supply to be hooked to a belt, but it would eliminate the TA-3 connectors flopping around from the wire. They aren't all that large or heavy, but it's not quite as clean as a simple wire connection. Still, I can make a new adapter for whatever transmitter might come my way, so it's a win. __________________ Jon Fairhurst

July 31st, 2013, 03:24 PM	#15
Andrew Dean Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Motukarara, New Zealand Posts: 475	Re: Sanken COS-11D on the Sennheiser G2/G3 systems I had trewaudio do the same split for me when i bought my cos-11d set. My intention was to be able to switch between the sennheiser and hard wired, but it also meant on a reality show I was able to use the ta3 connector directly into a lectrosonics transmitter so it meant the best of all worlds, really. you end up with a 1/8" "sennheiser" connector to a male ta3, the xlr power supply to a male ta3 then a ta3 female to the mic itself. I don't remember how much trew charged, but it wasn't much and the versatility has proved to be waaay worth it.